Catholic Primate Cardinal Seán Brady held talks with the Ulster Political Research Group (UPRG), a political group linked to the Ulster Defence Association (UDA), at his residence in Armagh today.
Cardinal Brady used the meeting to urge the UDA to hand over its weapons as pressure continues to mount on the Ulster Defence Association (UDA), to finally begin decommissioning.
Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward has threatened the group, responsible for numerous sectarian murders during the conflict, with sanctions if it does not act soon.
Today's meeting is the latest stage in a series of efforts to persuade loyalist paramilitaries to enter the political mainstream and decommission their arms.
They have included contacts between President Mary McAleese and her husband Martin with Jackie McDonald, the UDA brigadier in south Belfast.
There were concerns that the recent Real IRA and Continuity IRA murders of two soldiers and a PSNI officer could trigger loyalist reprisals. First Minister Peter Robinson recently praised the loyalist groups for avoiding retaliation.
Concerns about a continuing loyalist paramilitary threat, the dissident republican murders, decommissioning and drug dealing were also among the issues raised by the cardinal ..
Cardinal Brady described this morning's talks as "highly significant." The Cardinal said he had conveyed to the UPRG the real fear that exists within the Catholic community about the possibility of future violent activity by Loyalist groups.
"There is no going back. The only viable future for Northern Ireland is a totally peaceful and reconciled future based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to peaceful and democratic means of dealing with age-old political differences. Our meeting today with the UPRG is, in my view, a reason to be hopeful about the future," said Cardinal Brady.
Speaking ahead of this morning's meeting, Frankie Gallagher, the UPRG spokesman, said such an event could not have taken place three or even two years ago and was an “historic” occasion.
He also said they would reassure Cardinal Brady the issue of weaponry was being managed by the UDA.
“We need people to have a little patience but I think this will be a good year for the whole society of Northern Ireland.
“I can go so far as to say the UPRG is working towards creating an environment where political violence is no longer a viable option and weapons are a thing of the past.”